The final two spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are up for grabs on Saturday as England faces Norway and defending champions Argentina takes on Switzerland.
France and Spain have already secured their places in the last four, leaving four teams to battle for the remaining semifinal slots. According to the Opta supercomputer, England and Argentina are favorites, but Norway and Switzerland are poised to pull off upsets.
Quarterfinal Schedule
- Norway vs England – Saturday, July 11, 5pm (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, US
- Argentina vs Switzerland – Saturday, July 11, 8pm (01:00 GMT Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, US
Semifinal Lineup
- France vs Spain – Tuesday, July 14 (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium
- Winner of Norway/England vs Winner of Argentina/Switzerland – July 15 (19:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium
Predictions: Norway vs England
England and Norway meet in the World Cup for the first time, though they have faced each other 12 times overall. England leads with eight wins to Norway's two, and Norway has failed to score in their last four meetings. Their most recent match ended in a 1-0 friendly win for England in September 2014.
The Opta supercomputer gives England a 50.4% chance of winning in 90 minutes, based on 25,000 pre-match simulations. England's overall probability of advancing, including extra time and penalties, rises to 62.3%. Norway has a 25.1% chance of winning in regulation, while a draw after 90 minutes occurred in 24.6% of simulations.
Predictions: Argentina vs Switzerland
History favors Argentina, who are unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Switzerland (five wins, two draws). Opta gives Lionel Messi's side a 57.1% chance of winning inside 90 minutes. Switzerland has an 18.7% probability of winning in normal time, while 24.2% of simulations end in a draw. Overall, Argentina advances in 69.4% of simulations, leaving Switzerland with a 30.6% chance.
Other Storylines
Vikings Battle: England vs Norway
Fans are embracing the historical "Vikings battle" narrative for this match.
Portugal Hires Jorge Jesus as New Coach
Portugal has turned to veteran coach Jorge Jesus after a disappointing World Cup exit. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the 71-year-old will replace Roberto Martinez, who left after Portugal's 1-0 round-of-16 loss to Spain. Jesus, who recently coached Al-Nassr alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, said he plans to discuss Ronaldo's future before making decisions.
Erling Haaland Becomes Mexico's Unlikely Hero
Haaland has gone viral on social media after embracing Mexican fans still reeling from their team's World Cup exit to England. The Norway striker responded to Mexican supporters who adopted Norway as their team, replying with a phrase that has become a rallying cry: "Y si si?" ("What if I do?").
Morocco Turns Attention to 2030 World Cup
After a 2-0 quarterfinal loss to France, Morocco became the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarterfinals. The Atlas Lions now focus on 2030, when they will cohost the tournament with Portugal and Spain and qualify automatically.
Kane Dodges Haaland Comparisons
Harry Kane played down comparisons with Haaland ahead of the match, insisting they are too different to judge. With Haaland on seven goals and Kane on six, both trail leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (eight each). Kane praised Haaland as "a machine, a beast" but hopes he has "a quiet day."
Mbappe Keeps Comparisons on Ice
Kylian Mbappe downplayed comparisons with France's great teams, focusing on the upcoming semifinal against Spain.